Yadav said the state was the essence of India and it "truly symbolises India's secular, diverse and pluralistic society".

The chief minister said industrial clusters in Noida, and greater Noida were thriving and that the state, which is home to 200 million people, has a burgeoning agriculture.

He added that the club of billionaires was expanding but prosperity was not being shared equitably and the benefits of growth were not trickling down to the poor. "Such a growth is not sustainable nor enduring," he said.

Yadav said that the state had a huge potential for development, which had not yet been fully tapped. He said Uttar Pradesh plans to add 16,000 MW of additional power in the next five years.

Vice President Hamid Ansari inaugurated the meet, which is being attended by around 300 international delegates.